Fan-out package structure and method

ABSTRACT

A method includes attaching a semiconductor structure on a carrier, depositing a molding compound layer over the carrier, wherein the semiconductor structure is embedded in the molding compound layer, exposing a first photo-sensitive material layer and a second photo-sensitive material layer to light, developing the first photo-sensitive material layer and the second photo-sensitive material layer to form an opening having a first portion in the first photo-sensitive material layer and a second portion in the second photo-sensitive material layer, wherein a width of the second portion is greater than a width of the first portion, filling the opening with a conductive material to form a via in the first photo-sensitive material layer and a redistribution layer in the second photo-sensitive material layer and forming a bump over the redistribution layer.

BACKGROUND

The semiconductor industry has experienced rapid growth due tocontinuous improvements in the integration density of a variety ofelectronic components (e.g., transistors, diodes, resistors, capacitors,etc.). For the most part, this improvement in integration density hascome from repeated reductions in minimum feature size, which allows morecomponents to be integrated into a given area. However, the smallerfeature size may lead to more leakage current. As the demand forminiaturization, higher speed and greater bandwidth, as well as lowerpower consumption and latency has grown recently, there has grown a needfor smaller and more creative packaging techniques of semiconductordies.

As semiconductor technologies further advance, semiconductor deviceswith a fan-out package have emerged as an effective alternative tofurther improve the performance of semiconductor devices. In asemiconductor device having a fan-out package, a molding compound layermay be formed around a semiconductor die to provide additional surfacearea to support the fan-out interconnect structures. For example, aplurality of redistribution layers may be formed over the top surface ofthe molding compound layer. Furthermore, the redistribution layers areelectrically connected to active circuits of the semiconductor die.External input/output pads such as solder balls on under-bumpmetallization structures may then be formed to electrically connect tothe semiconductor die through the redistribution layers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from the followingdetailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It isnoted that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry,various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of thevarious features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity ofdiscussion.

FIG. 1 illustrates a cross sectional view of a semiconductor devicehaving a fan-out package in accordance with various embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIGS. 2-15 illustrate intermediate steps of fabricating thesemiconductor device shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with variousembodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 16 illustrates a flow chart of a method for forming thesemiconductor device shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with variousembodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The following disclosure provides many different embodiments, orexamples, for implementing different features of the invention. Specificexamples of components and arrangements are described below to simplifythe present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and arenot intended to be limiting. For example, the formation of a firstfeature over or on a second feature in the description that follows mayinclude embodiments in which the first and second features are formed indirect contact, and may also include embodiments in which additionalfeatures may be formed between the first and second features, such thatthe first and second features may not be in direct contact. In addition,the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters inthe various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicityand clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between thevarious embodiments and/or configurations discussed.

Further, spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,”“above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease ofdescription to describe one element or feature's relationship to anotherelement(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. The spatiallyrelative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of thedevice in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted inthe figures. The apparatus may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degreesor at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors usedherein may likewise be interpreted accordingly.

The present disclosure will be described with respect to embodiments ina specific context, a fabrication process of forming a semiconductordevice having a fan-out package. The embodiments of the disclosure mayalso be applied, however, to a variety of semiconductor structures.Hereinafter, various embodiments will be explained in detail withreference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a cross sectional view of a semiconductor devicehaving a fan-out package in accordance with various embodiments of thepresent disclosure. The semiconductor device 100 includes asemiconductor chip 140 embedded in a molding compound layer 402 and aplurality of interconnect structures formed over the molding compoundlayer 402.

As shown in FIG. 1, the semiconductor chip 140 comprises a substrate102. The substrate 102 may be formed of silicon, silicon germanium,silicon carbide or the like. Alternatively, the substrate 102 may be asilicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate. The SOI substrate may comprise alayer of a semiconductor material (e.g., silicon, germanium and thelike) formed over an insulator layer (e.g., buried oxide and the like),which is formed in a silicon substrate. In addition, other substratesthat may be used include multi-layered substrates, gradient substrates,hybrid orientation substrates and the like.

The substrate 102 may further comprise a variety of electrical circuits(not shown). The electrical circuits formed on the substrate 102 may beany type of circuitry suitable for a particular application.

In accordance with an embodiment, the electrical circuits may includevarious n-type metal-oxide semiconductor (NMOS) and/or p-typemetal-oxide semiconductor (PMOS) devices such as transistors,capacitors, resistors, diodes, photo-diodes, fuses and the like. Theelectrical circuits may be interconnected to perform one or morefunctions. The functions may include memory structures, processingstructures, sensors, amplifiers, power distribution, input/outputcircuitry or the like. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciatethat the above examples are provided for illustrative purposes only tofurther explain applications of the present disclosure and are not meantto limit the present disclosure in any manner.

An interlayer dielectric layer 104 is formed on top of the substrate102. The interlayer dielectric layer 104 may be formed, for example, ofa low-K dielectric material, such as silicon oxide. The interlayerdielectric layer 104 may be formed by any suitable method known in theart, such as spinning, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and plasmaenhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). It should also be noted thatone skilled in the art will recognize that the interlayer dielectriclayer 104 may further comprise a plurality of dielectric layers.

A bottom metallization layer 122 and a top metallization layer 126 areformed over the interlayer dielectric layer 104. As shown in FIG. 1, thebottom metallization layer 122 comprises a first metal line 124.Likewise, the top metallization layer 126 comprises a second metal line128. Metal lines 124 and 128 are formed of metal materials such ascopper or copper alloys and the like. The metallization layers 122 and126 may be formed through any suitable techniques (e.g., deposition,damascene and the like). Generally, the one or more inter-metaldielectric layers and the associated metallization layers are used tointerconnect the electrical circuits in the substrate 102 to each otherto form functional circuitry and to further provide an externalelectrical connection.

It should be noted while FIG. 1 shows the bottom metallization layer 122and the top metallization layer 126, one skilled in the art willrecognize that one or more inter-metal dielectric layers (not shown) andthe associated metallization layers (not shown) are formed between thebottom metallization layer 122 and the top metallization layer 126. Inparticular, the layers between the bottom metallization layer 122 andthe top metallization layer 126 may be formed by alternating layers ofdielectric (e.g., extremely low-k dielectric material) and conductivematerials (e.g., copper).

A passivation layer 105 is formed on top of the top metallization layer126. In accordance with an embodiment, the passivation layer 105 isformed of non-organic materials such as un-doped silicate glass, siliconnitride, silicon oxide and the like. Alternatively, the passivationlayer 105 may be formed of low-k dielectric such as carbon doped oxideand the like. In addition, extremely low-k (ELK) dielectrics such asporous carbon doped silicon dioxide can be employed to form thepassivation layer 105.

The passivation layer 105 may be formed through any suitable techniquessuch as CVD. As shown in FIG. 1, there may be two openings formed in thepassivation layer 105. The openings are used to accommodate the topmetal pads 106 and 107.

As shown in FIG. 1, the top metal pads 106 and 107 are embedded in thepassivation layer 105. In particular, the top metal pads 106 and 107provide conductive channels between the metal line 128 and a postpassivation interconnect structure of the semiconductor chip 140. Thetop metal pads 106 and 107 may be made of metallic materials such ascopper, copper alloys, aluminum, silver, gold and any combinationsthereof, and/or multi-layers thereof. The top metal pads 106 and 107 maybe formed by suitable techniques such as CVD. Alternatively, the topmetal pads 106 and 107 may be formed by sputtering, electroplating andthe like.

A dielectric layer 108 is formed on top of the passivation layer 105. Insome embodiments, the dielectric layer 108 is a polymer layer.Throughout the description, the dielectric layer 108 may bealternatively referred to as the polymer layer 108.

The polymer layer 108 is made of polymer materials such as epoxy,polyimide and the like. Alternatively, the polymer layer 108 may beformed of suitable polymer dielectric materials such as polybenzoxazole(PBO). The polymer layer 108 may be made by any suitable method known inthe art such as spin coating.

A first connector 112 and a second connector 114 are formed in thepolymer layer 108. As shown in FIG. 1, the lower portions of the firstconnector 112 and the second connector 114 are surrounded by thepassivation layer 105. The upper portions of the first connector 112 andthe second connector 114 are surrounded by the polymer layer 108. Thefirst connector 112 and the second connector 114 may be made of suitableconductive materials such as copper, copper alloys, any combinationsthereof, and/or multi-layers thereof. In some embodiments, the firstconnector 112 and the second connector 114 have a pillar structure.

A plurality of photo-sensitive material layers 602, 702, 1302, 1304,1306 and 1308 are formed over the molding compound layer 402. Aplurality of interconnect structures are formed in the photo-sensitivematerial layers as shown in FIG. 1. It should be noted that during theprocess of fabricating the semiconductor device 100, curing processesmay be applied to the photo-sensitive material layers 602, 702, 1302,1304, 1306 and 1308. The photo-sensitive materials may be cross-linkedand become polymer materials after the curing processes have beenapplied to the photo-sensitive material layers 602, 702, 1302, 1304,1306 and 1308. As a result, the photo-sensitive material layers 602,702, 1302, 1304, 1306 and 1308 may be alternatively referred to as thepolymer layers 602, 702, 1302, 1304, 1306 and 1308.

As shown in FIG. 1, an interconnect structure 601 are formed in thephoto-sensitive material layers 602 and 702. The interconnect structure601 may comprise a via portion formed in the photo-sensitive materiallayer 602 and a metal line portion formed in the photo-sensitivematerial layer 702. Both the via portion and the metal line portion ofthe interconnect structure 601 are surrounded by a seed layer. The viaportion of the interconnect structure 601 is electrically connected withthe first connector 112 through the seed layer.

The interconnect structures shown in FIG. 1 may form a plurality ofstacked via structures. For example, the interconnect structures 601,1301 and 1401 are vertically aligned to each other. More particularly,the via portion of the interconnect structure 1301 is on top of themetal line portion of the interconnect structure 601. Likewise, the viaportion of the interconnect structure 1401 is on top of the metal lineportion of the interconnect structure 1301. The stacked via structureformed by the interconnect structures 601, 1301 and 1401 provides aconductive path between the semiconductor chip 140 and the input/outputbumps (e.g., bump 1414) of the semiconductor device 100.

In some embodiments, the sidewall of the metal line portion of theinterconnect structure 1301 is vertically aligned with the sidewall ofthe metal line portion of the interconnect structure 601. Likewise, thesidewall of the via portion of the interconnect structure 1301 isvertically aligned with the sidewall of the via portion of theinterconnect structure 601. Such a vertical alignment helps to reducethe conduction losses so as to improve the performance of thesemiconductor device 100.

It should further be noted that the number of the photo-sensitivematerial layers (e.g., photo-sensitive material layer 602) and thenumber of the interconnect structures (e.g., interconnect structure 601)shown in FIG. 1 are merely examples. A person skilled in the art wouldrecognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications. For example,the interconnect structure 601 could comprise more than one interconnectlayer and each interconnect layer may accommodate any number of metallines.

A plurality of bumps 1412, 1414, 1416 and 1418 are formed over adielectric layer 1402. In some embodiments, the bumps 1412, 1414, 1416and 1418 are solder balls. There may be a plurality of under bumpmetallization (UBM) structures formed underneath their respective bumps.The detailed formation processes of the bumps 1412, 1414, 1416 and 1418and their respective UBM structures will be described below with respectto FIG. 14.

It should be noted that the number of the bumps (e.g., bumps 1412-1418)shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example. A person skilled in the art wouldrecognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications. For example,the semiconductor device 100 could accommodate any number of bumps.

One advantageous feature of the semiconductor device 100 shown in FIG. 1is that the stacked via structure provides a customer friendly productdesign solution for achieving better electrical performance.

FIGS. 2-15 illustrate intermediate steps of fabricating thesemiconductor device shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with variousembodiments of the present disclosure. It should be noted that thefabrication steps as well as the semiconductor structure shown in FIGS.2-15 are merely an example. A person skilled in the art will recognizethere may be many alternatives, variations and modifications.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross sectional view of a semiconductor device inaccordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. As shownin FIG. 2, a release layer 103 is formed on a carrier 201. The carrier201 may be formed of silicon, glass, ceramic aluminum oxide, siliconoxide, a combination thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, therelease layer 103 is formed of an epoxy-based thermal-release material.In alternative embodiments, the release layer 103 may be formed of anultra-violet (UV) glue, which loses its adhesive property when exposedto UV lights.

The release layer 103 may be formed over the carrier 201 by any suitablesemiconductor fabrication techniques. In some embodiments, the releaselayer 103 may be dispensed as a liquid and cured subsequently. Inalternative embodiments, release layer 103 may be laminated onto carrier201.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross sectional view of the semiconductor deviceshown in FIG. 2 after a semiconductor chip is mounted on the carrier inaccordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. Thesemiconductor chip 140 is picked and placed on the carrier 201 as shownin FIG. 3. The substrate 102 of the semiconductor chip 140 is in directcontact with the release layer 103. The semiconductor chip 140 comprisesa plurality of contact pads. As shown in FIG. 3, the connectors 112 and114 formed on a top side of the semiconductor chip 140. As shown in FIG.3, the top surfaces of the connectors 112 and 114 are exposed outsidethe semiconductor chip 140. Throughout the description, thesemiconductor chip 140 may be alternatively referred to as thesemiconductor structure 140.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross sectional view of the semiconductor deviceshown in FIG. 3 after a molding compound layer is formed over thecarrier in accordance with various embodiments of the presentdisclosure. After the molding compound layer 402 is formed over thecarrier 201, the semiconductor chip 140 is embedded in the moldingcompound layer 402 as shown in FIG. 4.

In some embodiments, the molding compound layer 402 may be an epoxy,which is dispensed at the gaps described above. The epoxy may be appliedin a liquid form, and may harden after a curing process. In alternativeembodiments, the molding compound layer 402 may be formed of curablematerials such as polymer based materials, resin based materials,polyimide, epoxy and any combinations of thereof. The molding compoundlayer 402 can be formed by any suitable dispense techniques.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross sectional view of the semiconductor deviceshown in FIG. 4 after a grinding process is applied to the top surfaceof the molding compound layer in accordance with various embodiments ofthe present disclosure. The top surface of the molding compound layer402 undergoes a grinding process. The grinding process can employ amechanical grinding process, a chemical polishing process, an etchingprocess, any combinations thereof and/or the like.

As shown in FIG. 5, the grinding process is applied to the top surfaceof the molding compound layer 402 until the top surfaces of theconnectors 112 and 114 become exposed. In particular, as shown in FIG.5, the top surfaces of the connectors 112 and 114 may be exposed outsidethe molding compound layer 402. As a result of performing the grindingprocess, the top surfaces of the connectors 112 and 114 aresubstantially level with the top surface of the molding compound layer402.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross sectional view of the semiconductor deviceshown in FIG. 5 after a first photo-sensitive material is deposited overthe molding compound layer in accordance with various embodiments of thepresent disclosure. A first photo-sensitive material layer 602 is formedover the molding compound layer 402. In accordance with someembodiments, the first photo-sensitive material layer 602 may be formedof suitable photo-sensitive materials such as PBO, SU-8 photo-sensitiveepoxy, film type polymer materials and/or the like. The firstphoto-sensitive material layer 602 may be formed by suitablesemiconductor fabrication techniques such as spin coating and/or thelike.

In consideration of the location and shape of the via portions of theinterconnect structures shown in FIG. 1, selective areas of thephoto-sensitive material layer 602 are exposed to light. The physicalproperties of the photo-sensitive regions exposed to light change as aresult. According to an embodiment, the change of the physicalproperties of the exposed regions will cause the exposed regions to beetched away when a developer is applied to the photo-sensitive materiallayer 602.

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross sectional view of the semiconductor deviceshown in FIG. 6 after a second photo-sensitive material layer is formedover the first photo-sensitive material layer in accordance with variousembodiments of the present disclosure. The second photo-sensitivematerial layer 702 is similar to the first photo-sensitive materiallayer 602, and hence is not discussed in detail herein to avoidunnecessary repetition.

In consideration of the location and shape of the metal line portions ofthe interconnect structures shown in FIG. 1, selective areas of thesecond photo-sensitive material layer 702 are exposed to light. Thephysical properties of the photo-sensitive regions exposed to lightchange as a result. According to an embodiment, the change of thephysical properties of the exposed regions will cause the exposedregions to be etched away when a developer is applied to the secondphoto-sensitive material layer 702.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross sectional view of the semiconductor deviceshown in FIG. 7 after a plurality of openings are formed in accordancewith various embodiments of the present disclosure. A suitable developeris applied to the first photo-sensitive material layer 602 and thesecond photo-sensitive material layer 702. As a result, a variety ofopenings 701, 704 and 706 are formed in the first photo-sensitivematerial layer 602 and the second photo-sensitive material layer 702.The formation of the openings 701, 704 and 706 involves lithographyoperations, which are well known, and hence are not discussed in furtherdetail herein to avoid unnecessary repetition.

After the openings 701, 704 and 706 have been formed, a suitablepost-development curing process may be applied to the firstphoto-sensitive material layer 602 and the second photo-sensitivematerial layer 702.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross sectional view of the semiconductor deviceshown in FIG. 8 after a seed layer is formed in the openings inaccordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. A seedlayer 802 is formed on the bottoms and sidewalls of the openings 701,704 and 706. The seed layer 802 may be formed of copper, nickel, gold,titanium, any combinations thereof and/or the like. The seed layer 802may be formed by suitable deposition techniques such as physical vapordeposition (PVD), CVD and/or the like. The seed layer 802 may have athickness of between about 500 Angstroms and about 8,000 Angstroms.

FIG. 10 illustrates a cross sectional view of the semiconductor deviceshown in FIG. 9 after a photoresist layer has been formed in accordancewith various embodiments of the present disclosure. A photoresist layeris formed over the top surfaces of the non-opening portions of the seedlayer 802. As shown in FIG. 10, the photoresist layer includes fourportions, namely a first portion 902, a second portion 904, a thirdportion 906 and a fourth portion 908. The thickness of the photoresistlayer is greater than 5 um. The edges of the photoresist layer arevertically aligned with the sidewalls of the openings 701, 704 and 706.For example, the left edge of the second portion 904 is verticallyaligned with the sidewall of the opening 701.

In accordance with some embodiments, the photoresist layer may be formedof suitable photoresist materials such as SU-8 photo-sensitive epoxy,film type polymer materials and/or the like. The photoresist layer maybe formed by suitable semiconductor fabrication techniques such as spincoating, dry film laminating and/or the like.

One advantageous feature of having the photoresist layer shown in FIG.10 is the photoresist layer helps to form a thick interconnect structurethrough a plating process, which will be described in detail withrespect to FIG. 11.

FIG. 11 illustrates a cross sectional view of the semiconductor deviceshown in FIG. 10 after a plating process is applied to the semiconductordevice in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.The openings on top of the seed layer 802 may be filled with aconductive material. The conductive material may comprise copper,although other suitable materials such as aluminum, alloys, tungsten,silver, doped polysilicon, combinations thereof, and/or the like, mayalternatively be utilized.

The openings 701, 704 and 706 may be filled with the conductive materialby a plating process. In particular, the plating process is a bottom-upplating process. During the plating process, the conductive materialsuch as copper grows from the bottoms as well as the sidewalls of theopenings 701, 704 and 706. After the plating process finishes, theinterconnect structures 1002, 1004 and 1006 are formed in theirrespective openings. As shown in FIG. 11, each interconnect structurehas a substantially planar surface. Such a planar surface issubstantially level with the bottom surface of the photoresist layer.

The interconnect structures 1002, 1004 and 1006 may function as aredistribution layer. Throughout the description, the interconnectstructures 1002, 1004 and 1006 may be alternatively referred to as aredistribution layer.

FIG. 12 illustrates a cross sectional view of the semiconductor deviceshown in FIG. 11 after the remaining photoresist layer has been removedin accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. Insome embodiments, the remaining photoresist layer shown in FIG. 11 maybe removed by using suitable photoresist stripping techniques such aschemical solvent cleaning, plasma ashing, dry stripping and/or the like.The photoresist stripping techniques are well known and hence are notdiscussed in further detail herein to avoid unnecessary repetition.After the remaining photoresist layer has been removed, the exposed seedlayer may be removed by a suitable etching process such as a wet etchingprocess.

FIG. 13 illustrates a cross sectional view of the semiconductor deviceshown in FIG. 12 after two additional interconnect layers have beenformed over the carrier in accordance with various embodiments of thepresent disclosure. Photo-sensitive material layers 1302, 1304, 1306 and1306 are formed over the second photo-sensitive material layer 702.After the photo-sensitive material layers have been formed, theinterconnect structures are formed by a fabrication process similar tothat shown in FIGS. 8-12, and hence is not discussed in detail to avoidrepetition.

FIG. 14 illustrates a cross sectional view of the semiconductor deviceshown in FIG. 13 after a plurality of bumps are formed over theinterconnect structures in accordance with various embodiments of thepresent disclosure. A dielectric layer 1402 is formed over thephoto-sensitive material layer 1308. The dielectric layer 1402 may beformed of a nitride such as silicon nitride, an oxide such as siliconoxide, phosphosilicate glass (PSG), borosilicate glass (BSG),boron-doped phosphosilicate glass (BPSG), any combinations thereofand/or the like. The dielectric layer 1402 may be formed by suitablefabrication techniques such as such as spinning, CVD, PECVD and/or thelike.

A plurality of UBM structures 1422, 1424, 1426 and 1428, and theirrespective bumps 1412, 1414, 1416 and 1418 are formed over thedielectric layer 1402 as shown in FIG. 14. The UBM structures 1422,1424, 1426 and 1428 help to prevent diffusion between the solder ballsand the integrated circuits of the semiconductor device, while providinga low resistance electrical connection.

In some embodiments, the bumps 1412, 1414, 1416 and 1418 are solderballs. In some embodiments, the solder balls may comprise SAC405. SAC405comprises 95.5% Sn, 4.0% Ag and 0.5% Cu.

FIG. 15 illustrates a cross sectional view after a process of removingthe carrier has been applied to the semiconductor device in accordancewith various embodiments of the present disclosure. The carrier 201shown in FIG. 14 can be detached from the semiconductor device 100. Avariety of detaching processes may be employed to separate thesemiconductor device 100 from the carrier 201. The variety of detachingprocesses may comprise a chemical solvent, a UV exposure and the like.The release layer 103 may be removed from the semiconductor device 100by using a suitable etching process.

FIG. 16 illustrates a flow chart of a method for forming thesemiconductor device shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with variousembodiments of the present disclosure. This flowchart is merely anexample, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One ofordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives,and modifications. For example, various step as illustrated in FIG. 16may added, removed, replaced, rearranged and repeated.

At step 1602, a semiconductor chip or a semiconductor structure isattached to a carrier through a release layer. The semiconductor chipcomprises a substrate. The backside of the substrate is in directcontact with the release layer.

At step 1604, a molding compound layer is formed over the carrier. Thesemiconductor chip is embedded in the molding compound layer. At step1606, a grinding process is applied to the molding compound layer untilthe top surface of the semiconductor chip is exposed.

At step 1608, a first photo-sensitive material layer is deposited overthe molding compound layer. At step 1610, the first photo-sensitivematerial layer is exposed to light according to a first pattern.

At step 1612, a second photo-sensitive material layer is deposited overthe first photo-sensitive material layer. At step 1614, the secondphoto-sensitive material layer is exposed to light according to a secondpattern.

At step 1616, a plurality of openings are formed in the firstphoto-sensitive material layer and the second photo-sensitive materiallayer by applying a developer to the first photo-sensitive materiallayer and the second photo-sensitive material layer. At step 1618, aseed layer is deposited on bottoms and sidewalls of the plurality ofopenings.

At step 1620, a photoresist layer is formed on the secondphoto-sensitive material layer. At step 1622, through a plating process,a conductive material is filled in the openings to form a firstinterconnect layer including a plurality of interconnect structures. Atstep 1624, a plurality of interconnect layers are formed over the firstinterconnect layer.

At step 1626, a dielectric layer is deposited over the plurality ofinterconnect layers. A plurality of UBM structures are formed over thedielectric layer. A plurality of bumps are formed over their respectiveUBM structures. At step 1628, a suitable carrier removal technique isemployed to separate the carrier from the semiconductor device.

In accordance with an embodiment, a method comprises attaching asemiconductor structure on a carrier, wherein the semiconductorstructure comprises a plurality of connectors, depositing a moldingcompound layer over the carrier, wherein the semiconductor structure isembedded in the molding compound layer, depositing a firstphoto-sensitive material layer on the molding compound layer, exposingthe first photo-sensitive material layer to light according to a firstpattern, depositing a second photo-sensitive material layer on the firstphoto-sensitive material layer, exposing the second photo-sensitivematerial layer to light according to a second pattern, developing thefirst photo-sensitive material layer and the second photo-sensitivematerial layer to form a plurality of openings, filling the plurality ofopenings with a conductive material to form a first redistribution layerand forming a plurality of bumps over the first redistribution layer.

In accordance with an embodiment, a method comprises attaching asemiconductor structure on a carrier, wherein the semiconductorstructure comprises a connector, and wherein a top surface of theconnector is substantially level with a top surface of the semiconductorstructure, depositing a molding compound layer over the carrier, whereinthe semiconductor structure is embedded in the molding compound layer,exposing a first photo-sensitive material layer and a secondphoto-sensitive material layer to light, developing the firstphoto-sensitive material layer and the second photo-sensitive materiallayer to form an opening having a first portion in the firstphoto-sensitive material layer and a second portion in the secondphoto-sensitive material layer, wherein a width of the second portion isgreater than a width of the first portion, filling the opening with aconductive material to form a via in the first photo-sensitive materiallayer and a redistribution layer in the second photo-sensitive materiallayer and forming a bump over the redistribution layer.

In accordance with an embodiment, an apparatus comprises a semiconductorstructure in a molding compound layer, a first polymer layer on themolding compound layer, a second polymer layer on the first polymerlayer, a first interconnect structure having a first via portion in thefirst polymer layer and a first metal line portion in the second polymerlayer, a third polymer layer on the second polymer layer, a fourthpolymer layer on the third polymer layer and a second interconnectstructure having a second via portion in the third polymer layer and asecond metal line portion in the fourth polymer layer, wherein thesecond via portion is vertically aligned with the first via portion.

The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so that thoseskilled in the art may better understand the aspects of the presentdisclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they mayreadily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifyingother processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/orachieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein.Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalentconstructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions, andalterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: attaching a semiconductorstructure on a carrier, wherein the semiconductor structure comprises aplurality of connectors; depositing a molding compound layer over thecarrier, wherein the semiconductor structure is embedded in the moldingcompound layer; depositing a first photo-sensitive material layer on themolding compound layer; exposing the first photo-sensitive materiallayer to light according to a first pattern; depositing a secondphoto-sensitive material layer on the first photo-sensitive materiallayer; exposing the second photo-sensitive material layer to lightaccording to a second pattern; developing the first photo-sensitivematerial layer and the second photo-sensitive material layer to form aplurality of openings, wherein a first portion of an opening of theplurality of openings is formed in the first photo-sensitive materiallayer and based upon the first pattern, and a second portion of theopening is formed in the second photo-sensitive material layer and basedupon the second pattern, and wherein a width of the first portion isdifferent from a width of the second portion; filling the plurality ofopenings with a conductive material to form a via in the first portionand a first redistribution layer in the second portion; and forming aplurality of bumps over the first redistribution layer.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: after the step of depositing the moldingcompound layer over the carrier, applying a grinding process to themolding compound layer until a top surface of the semiconductorstructure is exposed.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:prior to the step of filling the plurality of openings with theconductive material, forming a photoresist layer on a top surface of thesecond photo-sensitive material layer.
 4. The method of claim 3,wherein: a sidewall of the photoresist layer is vertically aligned witha sidewall of one opening of the plurality of openings; and a thicknessof the photoresist layer is greater than 5 um.
 5. The method of claim 3,wherein: after the step of filling the plurality of openings with theconductive material, a top surface of the first redistribution layer issubstantially level with a bottom surface of the photoresist layer. 6.The method of claim 1, further comprising: forming a secondredistribution layer over the first redistribution layer; and forming athird redistribution layer over the second redistribution layer.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: forming a plurality of under bumpmetallization structures over the first redistribution layer; andforming the plurality of bumps on the plurality of under bumpmetallization structures.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:forming a seed layer in the plurality of openings prior to the step offilling the plurality of openings with the conductive material.
 9. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: after the step of forming aplurality of bumps over the first redistribution layer, separating thecarrier from the semiconductor structure.
 10. A method comprising:attaching a semiconductor structure on a carrier, wherein thesemiconductor structure comprises a connector, and wherein a top surfaceof the connector is substantially level with a top surface of thesemiconductor structure; depositing a molding compound layer over thecarrier, wherein the semiconductor structure is embedded in the moldingcompound layer; exposing a first photo-sensitive material layer and asecond photo-sensitive material layer to light; developing the firstphoto-sensitive material layer and the second photo-sensitive materiallayer to form an opening having a first portion in the firstphoto-sensitive material layer and a second portion in the secondphoto-sensitive material layer, wherein a width of the second portion isgreater than a width of the first portion; filling the opening with aconductive material to form a via in the first photo-sensitive materiallayer and a redistribution layer in the second photo-sensitive materiallayer; and forming a bump over the redistribution layer.
 11. The methodof claim 10, further comprising: depositing the first photo-sensitivematerial layer on the molding compound layer; exposing the firstphoto-sensitive material layer to light according to a first pattern;depositing a second photo-sensitive material layer on the firstphoto-sensitive material layer; and exposing the second photo-sensitivematerial layer to light according to a second pattern.
 12. The method ofclaim 10, further comprising: forming an under bump metallizationstructure over the redistribution layer; and forming the bump over theunder bump metallization structure.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein:a surface of the connector is in direct contact with a surface of thevia.
 14. The method of claim 10, further comprising: prior to the stepof filling the opening with the conductive material, forming aphotoresist layer on a top surface of the second photo-sensitivematerial layer.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein: a sidewall of thephotoresist layer is vertically aligned with a sidewall of the opening;and a thickness of the photoresist layer is greater than 5 um.
 16. Amethod comprising: attaching a semiconductor structure on a carrier;depositing a molding compound layer over the carrier, wherein thesemiconductor structure is embedded in the molding compound layer;applying a grinding process to the molding compound layer until a topsurface of the semiconductor structure is exposed; depositing a firstphoto-sensitive material layer over the molding compound layer andexposing the first photo-sensitive material layer to light; depositing asecond photo-sensitive material layer over the first photo-sensitivematerial layer and exposing the second photo-sensitive material layer tolight; developing the first photo-sensitive material layer and thesecond photo-sensitive material layer to form an opening having a firstportion in the first photo-sensitive material layer and a second portionin the second photo-sensitive material layer; and filling the openingwith a conductive material to form a via in the first portion and aredistribution layer in the second portion.
 17. The method of claim 16,wherein: the semiconductor structure comprises a connector having a topsurface substantially level with the top surface of the semiconductorstructure; and a width of the second portion is greater than a width ofthe first portion.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein: after developingthe first photo-sensitive material layer and the second photo-sensitivematerial layer to form the opening, at least a portion of the topsurface of the connector is exposed.
 19. The method of claim 16, furthercomprising: forming a bump over the redistribution layer.
 20. The methodof claim 16, further comprising: separating the carrier from thesemiconductor structure.